"The most important
things home and business owners can do from a safety perspective is to pay
close attention to local weather reports and alerts from the National Weather Service," said Julie
Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. "In addition, we urge residents to follow the
instructions of local emergency officials when flooding is imminent, and we
especially caution everyone to obey all evacuation orders from local
authorities."

When temperatures
rapidly increase, so does the rate at which snow and ice melt. This can be a
serious problem for areas that have received large amounts of snow and ice
throughout this severe winter season. Frozen soil also increases the risk of
flood as water from melting snow and ice is not able to seep into the ground.

"If you still have snow
piles surrounding your home, try to move those away from your foundation to
avoid water from leaking into your home," Rochman said. "Also, keep in mind
that rain can cause snow to melt faster, which can contribute to possible
flooding in your area."

•Seal any cracks in
walls, openings, or your foundation using masonry caulk or hydraulic cement.

•Consider installing
backflow valves, which are designed to prevent water from flowing into your
house through local sewer lines.

•Create an emergency
preparedness kit and evacuation plan.

About The Insurance
Institute for Business & Home Safety

IBHS
is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications
organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization
works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other
risks on residential and commercial property by conducting building science
research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparedness
practices.